This study aimed to optimize process variables for the enhanced production of single-cell protein (SCP) using Trichoderma atroviride EGER23 from cassava peels through Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A Box-Behnken design was applied to investigate the influence of three key factors viz. moisture content (60.0% - 75.0%), pH (6.5 - 8.5), and incubation time (4 - 8 days) on protein content. A second-order polynomial model effectively explained the variation in experimental data and showed a strong correlation between the independent variables and the response. The optimized conditions (moisture content of 66.52%, pH of 6.50, and incubation time of 7.39 days) resulted in a maximum protein yield of 9.5% with a desirability of 91.66% after optimization. High moisture content lowered the protein yield by restricting oxygen transfer, whereas variations from the optimal pH inhibited the activity of enzymes involved in fungal metabolism. In addition, prolonging the fermentation period beyond the optimal period led to protein degradation rather than further accumulation. The optimization model showed that the optimization of process parameters maximizes Single Cell Protein production. The findings highlighted the potential of cassava peels as a sustainable substrate for microbial protein production, aligning with the circular economy strategies to enhance resource efficiency in food and feed production.
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